to think that the baby business has become a bit OTT?

I am amazed (and tbh a little bit irritated) at how much people spend on toys and activities for their babies, even when the babies are still too small to really benefit from the activity or the toy... I know everyone wants to do what is best for their children, but honestly! Is it all necessary? Do you really need a baby monitor with a camera and movement sensor? Does the baby really benefit from going to a sensory play class? Just a thought...

I think it's each to their own really. I have a (hand me down) monitor with a movement sensor, which when DS was born with severe lung problems and on oxygen for nearly 6 months, I was very grateful for. Peace of mind. However, I didn't get a camera, as I thought that was a little too obsessive. We did Baby sensory for a bit, as I thought it would help his development, but found it a little too saccharine for me...

The monitor with a camera thing? NoThe baby sensory classes - we both loved them.

I guess you only dip into the market to buy what you need/want/value. Other than that if you've got the money there's no harm.

Although I did once scoff on here about wrist straps for prams and approximately 800 people came on to say their child had nearly died in a freak hill/pram accident and survived only because of the wrist strap.

Yes, I think there is a place for some of these things - like the monitors for babies who are at risk and some classes to help certain babies with their development. But I find it OTT when people sign up for everything, just because it is a trend. And yes, maybe they have the money, but geez what a waste! Rather use the money to sponsor a family who need that extra service but can't afford it (okay I'm a bit of a socialist...) And hand-me-downs are my new best friends!

Like all these things it's each to their own and if you can afford classes etc. why not? It does grate on me that where I live the postnatal hospital wards are understaffed but you can go on a five session baby massage class led by two HVs gratis...

We have a movement monitor and a camera .But then I'm a bit OCD and a pessimist so I spent my entire pregnancy convinced I was going to lose the baby and then the first few weeks of DS's life poking him to check he was alive The monitor helps reassure me and the camera is helpful as our bedroom is downstairs and DS is upstairs so saves my legs during the night if he's moving about.I think you buy what you need to make your life a saner happier place